In 1897, a 9-hole course was laid out in Schenley Park, and the first golfers began roaming the scenic, rolling hills nestled between the Oakland and Squirrel Hill neighborhoods. As the popularity of golf grew in Pittsburgh, an 18-hole course was constructed in 1903. The walking only 4,620-yard par 67 golf course remains virtually unchanged since it debuted, and is open daily throughout the year, weather permitting, with seasonal hours. The Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park was named in honor of the former mayor who helped spearhead the creation of the First Tee of Pittsburgh. As the home of the First Tee of Pittsburgh since 2001, all facility revenue benefits the chapter’s mission of creating “Good Golfers, Better People.” Pittsburgh area residents have enjoyed a fun, challenging golf experience at “The Bob” for over a century, and we invite you to play the only course within the city limits.
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THE HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH
Pittsburgh is known as “The Gateway to the West” thanks to its ideal location at the intersection of three major waterways. It was founded in 1758 right where the Allegheny River and Monongahela River join together to form the Ohio River.
Pittsburgh’s position made it a titan of early trade in America, and it’s recognized as the official starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. By the mid-1800s, Pittsburgh had become one of the largest cities in the West. But the city’s story isn’t all smooth sailing; over 1000 buildings burned down during the Great Fire of Pittsburgh in 1845.
The city recovered, rebuilt in part by Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine. By the 20th century, the city had grown to over a half million. By World War II, they had the manpower to produce 95 million tons of steel for the war effort.
Following WWII, Pittsburgh took the initiative to develop a cleaner, greener environment. The city launched revitalization projects to clean up the air and the rivers and invest in cultural development, creating the vibrant, artistic city we know and love today.